Monday, February 16, 2015

You pretty much know what you’re getting into when you see “Still
Alice.” It’s about a a middle aged woman who is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s
disease. It’s as painful to watch as you’d think it would be. And yet it
manages to be something more than just a standard disease-of-the-week
melodrama. It’s rooted in interesting characters. Alice isn’t just anyone. She’s
a highly intelligent woman who is a college professor. Does that make her
descent into a debilitating disease more traumatic? Maybe a little but it’s a
brilliant way to show the horrors of a disease that exists that unfortunately doesn’t
have a cure. It’s also a terrific showcase for brilliant actress Julianne Moore
who is finally eyeing her first Academy Award.

As a vessel for a potential Oscar winning performance, “Still
Alice” is definitely above average. There’s nothing particularly groundbreaking
about it. This isn’t “The Diving Bell & the Butterfly.” It’s not even “Terms
of Endearment.” It is, however, a showcase for Moore who completely masters the
screen and makes it look effortless in the process. Directors Richard Glatzer
and Wash Westmoreland have made an honest and sincere film without ever making
it feel manipulative. They have also gathered a pretty impressive cast. Kristen
Stewart actually gives one of her best performances as Moore’s youngest
daughter. She’s out in California trying to become an actress (not much of a stretch
I admit, but she’s pretty excellent anyways). Meanwhile, her supportive husband
is played by Alec Baldwin and her other kids are played by Kate Bosworth and
Weeds’ Hunter Parrish.

This is the story of one of those wealthier families who
have to deal with a traumatic situation. Sometimes it almost reminded me of a
Woody Allen film. They’re an upper-class family but still relatable in that
they seem like normal enough people. When Alice gets her diagnosis she’s
stunned as is her family who are shocked to think Alice, who has only just
turned 50, could be suffering from such a disease. But the real clinker is the
fact that her disease is actually genetic and has learned she could pass it on
to her children. It’s a heart wrenching situation that’s hard to witness but I couldn’t
take my eyes off of it.

Moore really owns the film. She begins as simply forgetting
everyday things and memories but as her disease progresses you realize just how
much of her memory is being ripped from her. To see this woman go from making
words like “hadj” in Words with Friends to barely being able to spell “tone” is
simply devastating. Her descent is one
of the toughest things to watch but Moore really sells it. Alice is a
fascinating character and Moore is transfixing in the role.

“Still Alice” works as a terrific vehicle for Moore to
finally get the Oscar she’s been so overdue to receive. Sure it may not be for
Boogie Nights or even The Kids Are All Right but she could do a lot worse (at
least it’s not a Holocaust drama). She even gets extra points for not having to
portray a real life person; she creates a memorable character in an emotionally
stirring film that is hard to forget. GRADE: A-

Followers

About Me

"Hello, Clarice." Welcome to my film review blog. I've been reviewing theatrical movies since 2005. In addition to writing movie reviews (not to mention best of year lists, Oscar predictions, and other fun movie-related lists) I have had reviews and articles published on DarkHorizons.com and at WhatCulture.com. I've also achieved my longtime dream of appearing on RottenTomatoes.com. My favorite film genre is horror though I have rather eclectic cinematic tastes. I can easily go from watching artsy stuff like Under the Skin to stupid action stuff like Transformers (but please dear lord make them stop). I also enjoy running, cooking, and eating the spiciest foods I can find.